Collapsible wireless input device

ABSTRACT

An input device for inputting commands to a host computer includes a base. An upper housing defines a plurality of control buttons for inputting commands to the computer. The base and upper housing are movably coupled to each other to enable the mouse to be placed in a collapsed position and a raised position. A release button is configured to actuate and facilitate raising of the mouse from the collapsed position to the raised position, the raised position placing the mouse a suitable state for inputting commands to the computer using the control buttons.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/819,702 filed Apr. 6, 2004 and entitled “Collapsible Wireless InputDevice”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to a wireless input device for a host,e.g., a computer or gaming device (such as a Play Station™).

Computers have become ubiquitous in our society with the people'sacceptance of the Internet. The computers are no longer primarilybusiness machines. They have become an integral part of many people'spersonal lives. Many people now get their news and stock prices, maketravel reservations, buy cars, manage bank accounts, and the likeprimarily using the computers.

To many, the computers have become an essential consumer product, duelargely to the tremendous increase in their processing power over thepast few decades. In addition to being more powerful, the computers arebeing made smaller and smaller. Portable Notebook computers now make upa significant percentage of all computers sold, some weighing no morethan a few pounds. Notebooks have gained great popularity recently dueto its portability.

Another recent trend involving the computers is the rising popularity ofwireless input devices, e.g., keyboards and mice. These wireless deviceshave been very popular for those who want to minimize the clutterassociated with wires attached to the conventional input devices. Thewireless mouse has been particularly popular with the Notebook userssince it is easier to carry around than a conventional mouse with wires.

Recently, Kensington has introduced a wireless mouse, i.e., PocketMouse™Pro Wireless. The mouse has a storage compartment for storing auniversal serial bus (USB) receiver within the mouse for userconvenience. When the mouse is to be used, the USB receiver is removedfrom the compartment and inserted into a USB port of the computer. Theintroduced a wireless mouse with a compartment for carrying a USBreceiver. These mice provide improved portability since the receiverscan be stored within the mice and carried around when the mice are notin use.

Although these mice provide improved portability, they still can besomewhat troublesome when carrying them around. As with other mice, theyhave a “hump” on the upper side of the mice to ergonomically support theuser's hand. Such a hump adds bulk to the mice. People, generallyhowever, find that it is easier to carry around thinner devices. Thethickness of the mouse makes it difficult to carry it around in a trip,particularly in a Notebook case, which fits flat objects better.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an input device for a host. The inputdevice may be a mouse, trackball, remote control, presenter, and thelike. The input device is configured to change in size, e.g., verticallyor horizontally. For example, the input device may be opened/expandedwhen the device is in use for ergonomic reasons and closed/collapsedwhen the device is not in use for portability reasons. Alternatively, agiven set of functions of the input device may be associated with itsopened or closed state, e.g., the input device functions as a mouse inopened state and as a presenter in a closed state.

In one embodiment, a mouse for inputting commands to a host computerincludes a base. An upper housing defines a plurality of control buttonsfor inputting commands to the computer. The base and upper housing aremovably coupled to each other to enable the mouse to be placed in acollapsed position and a raised position. A release button is configuredto actuate and facilitate raising of the mouse from the collapsedposition to the raised position. In one implementation, the raisedposition places the mouse in a suitable state for inputting commands tothe computer using the control buttons. In another implementation, themouse is configured to input commands to the computer in both the raisedand collapsed positions, where the raised position provides means ofremoving a component, e.g., a dongle, housed within the mouse.

In another embodiment, a wireless mouse for inputting commands to a hostcomputer includes a base; an upper housing defining a plurality ofcontrol buttons for inputting commands to the computer, the base and theupper housing defining a compartment within the mouse, the base andupper housing being movably coupled with each other to enable the mouseto be placed in a collapsed position and a raised position; and arelease button configured to facilitate raising of the mouse from thecollapsed position to the raised position, the raised position placingthe mouse a suitable state for inputting commands to the computer usingthe control buttons.

In yet another embodiment, a method of inputting commands to a hostcomputer using a wireless input device includes actuating a releasebutton on a wireless mouse to raise the mouse from a collapsed positionto a raised position, the mouse being configured to store a receiver ina compartment defined within the mouse; removing the receiver from thecompartment via an opening that is exposed on one side of the mouse, theopening being exposed as a result of the mouse being raised to theraised position; inserting the receiver into a port of the computer; andinputting commands to the computer using the mouse via the receiver thatis inserted into the port of the computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless mouse that is configured to have amovable, upper housing according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the wireless mouse according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the mouse according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the backend of the mouseaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a torsion module that cooperates with thelatch arrangement to raise or collapse the mouse according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the receiver that is provided inside of themouse according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the mouse of FIGS. 6A and 6B with the receiverremoved, exposing an opening at the backend of the mouse according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a wireless mouse according to another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a release button and a guide for raising orcollapsing the mouse according to one embodiment of the presentinvention according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a latch being disengaged from a first hole to unlockthe mouse from the collapsed position according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a base assembly being moved downward to placed themouse in a raised position according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a backend of the mouse according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a release button being actuated to collapse themouse according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an input device, e.g., a wireless mouse, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom view of the mouse according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16A illustrates the mouse with the upper housing removed accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16B illustrates cavities that are defined within the upper housingof the mouse according to one embodiment in the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mouse in a collapsedstate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mouse in a raisedstate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a release arrangement including the latch, a pop-upor release button, and a link according to one implementation.

FIG. 20A illustrates a push-push mechanism engaged to the dongleaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20B illustrates a push-push mechanism including a first hook andsecond hook according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates an on-off switch provided within the mouse accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an input device, e.g., wireless mouse, 100 that isconfigured to have a movable, upper housing 101 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The movable upper housing enablesthe mouse to have at least two different shapes: (1) a collapsedposition (or inactive state) for easy portability and (2) a raisedposition (or active state) for ergonomic usage of the mouse. In oneimplementation, the mouse may be in an active state in both raised andcollapsed positions.

The upper housing includes an upper cover 102. A left select button 104and right select button 106 are provided at the front of the mouse. Theleft and right select buttons are activated by clicking on a leftportion 108 and a right portion 110 of the upper cover. The left andright portions are a unitary structure in the present embodiment.

The mouse 100 includes a left horizontal zone 112, a right horizontalzone 114, and a vertical region 116. Touching or pressing the lefthorizontal zone causes panning to the left of the document beingdisplayed on the monitor. Touching or pressing the right horizontal zonecauses panning to the right of the document being displayed. Thedocument being displayed may be moved up or down using the verticalregion 116. In one embodiment, the vertical movement may be controlledby the movement of a finger or stylus up and down along the verticalregion. In another embodiment, the vertical region includes an up buttonto scroll up and a down button to scroll down. The zones 112 and 114 andvertical region 116 may be made from a single touchpad. In otherimplementations, these zones and region may be implemented by using amechanical system including movable mechanical components, e.g., aroller or wheel.

FIG. 1 also shows a receiver 120 that is configured to cooperate withthe mouse in inputting commands to the computer. The receiver 120 isconfigured to be connected to one of the ports provided on the computer,so that the mouse may communicate wirelessly with the computer. Thereceiver 120 is a USB receiver or dongle in the present embodiment. TheUSB receiver 120 includes a connector 122 that is designed to beinserted into the USB port. In other implementations, other types ofwireless transmission technologies are used, e.g., 27 MHz or Bluetooth™.In the present embodiment, Bluetooth™ or 27 MHz (or other) are used tocommunicate between the mouse and the dongle, whereas USB or PS2 (orother) are used to communicate between the dongle and the computer.Alternatively, a transmitter or transceiver within the mouse maycommunicate directly with a built-in receiver, e.g., a Bluetooth™ hub,in a host device, thereby eliminating the need to use a dongle as areceiver.

In the present embodiment, the receiver is configured to be carriedinside of the mouse for easy portability. The receiver is taken out ofthe mouse when the user wishes to use the mouse. The receiver 120includes first and second extensions 124 and 126 on the left and rightsides of the receiver. The extensions 124 and 126 are configured tocooperate with other components of the mouse to facilitate the movementof the upper housing 101, as will be explained below.

In one embodiment, the receiver 120 includes a memory 128 for storingdata. The memory 128 is preferably a non-volatile semiconductor device.In another embodiment, the receiver includes an access key for accessingprotected computer resources.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the wireless mouse 100 according toone embodiment of the present invention. The mouse includes a pivotpoint 202 provided at front side of the mouse. The entire upper housing101, including the buttons, pivots about the point 202 to raise theupper housing upward from a base 204 of the mouse or lower the upperhousing downward to the base 204. The mouse is raised upward (or in araised position) if the mouse is to be activated and used by the user toinput commands to the computer.

FIG. 2 illustrates the mouse in a collapsed position. The mouse islowered or collapsed if the mouse is to be deactivated and not to beused to input commands to the computer in the present embodiment. Theraised state or position is configured to provide a hump or add bulk tothe mouse, so that it may be used more ergonomically by the user. Thecollapsed position or state is configured to reduce the bulk of themouse and make it thinner for easy portability.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the mouse 100 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. A release button 302 is provided onthe base 204 for raising the upper housing and place the mouse in araised state. The button is on the base/bottom. The release button isactivated by sliding the button 302 toward the backside of the mouse.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the backend of the mouse100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. One end of avertical pole 402 is joined to the release button 302 at about 90degrees. The other end of the pole 402 defines a latch 404 for latchingonto a protrusion 406 that extends inwardly from a backside 408 of thehousing 101. The release button 302, vertical pole 402, and latch 404together define a latch arrangement 410. The latch arrangement 410 is aunitary structure in present embodiment.

In the collapsed state, the latch 404 is latched onto the protrusion406, so that the height or bulk of the mouse 100 is reduced for easierportability. If the user actuates the release button by sliding ittoward the backend of the mouse, the button 302 and pole 402 rotatesabout the pivot point 202. The latch 404, in turn, moves about the pivotpoint and toward the front end of the mouse, releasing the latch fromthe protrusion 406 and enabling the housing 101 to be raised.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a torsion module 502 that cooperates with thelatch arrangement 410 to raise or collapse the mouse according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The module 502 includes ahorizontal bar 504, a first arm 506, and a second arm 508. The bar 504is joined to upper ends 510 and 512 of the arms 506 and 508. The module502 is coupled to the upper housing 101 via the upper ends 510 and 512.Lower ends 514 of the arms are provided proximate the base. The arms areconfigured to slide backward to raise the housing and forward tocollapse the housing. For this purpose, the module 502 includes atorsion spring (not shown) that causes the module to constantly try torotate and push the housing 101 upward. As long as the latch is engagedto the protrusion, the housing is prevented from being raised.

Accordingly, while the mouse is in a collapsed position, the latch 404is latched onto the protrusion 406 to prevent the housing from beingpushed up. When the release button is actuated and the latch 404 isdisengaged from the protrusion 406, the module 502 is free to push upthe housing 101, thereby placing the mouse in the raised state. FIG. 5Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the mouse 100 in the raised stateaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 6A illustrates the receiver 120 that is provided inside of themouse 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thefirst and second extensions 124 and 126 of the USB receiver 120cooperate with the arms 508 and 510 to eject the receiver 120 outward(see FIG. 6B) when the upper housing is raised, so that the user mayeasily pull out the receiver 120 from the mouse. That is, if the releasebutton is actuated to place the mouse 100 in a raised state, the armsslide toward the backend of the mouse and catch the first and secondextensions 124 and 126 to eject the receiver.

FIG. 7 illustrates the mouse 100 with the receiver removed, exposing anopening at the backend of the mouse. Once the mouse 100 is placed in theraised state, the lower ends 514 of the arms 506 and 508 firmly contactthe base to support the upper housing 101 and the weight of the user'shand.

To collapse the mouse, the receiver 120 needs to be inserted into theopening. As the receiver is being inserted, the first and secondextensions 124 and 126 catch the arms 506 and 508 and push the armsforward to disengage them from the base, enabling the upper housing tobe collapsed. In the present embodiment, the receiver needs to beinserted into the opening to collapse the mouse. One advantage of thisfeature is that the user is unlikely to forget to carry the receiverwith him or her when moving from one location to another since thereceiver is needed to collapse the mouse.

FIG. 8 illustrates a wireless mouse 800 according to another embodimentof the present invention. A frame 803 is provided around a base assembly802. An upper casing (FIG. 12) is attached to the frame 803 to cover thebase assembly. A release button 804 is placed on a side of the frame 803in the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, an inner structure of the release button 804 isconfigured to slide along a guide 902 that is attached to the baseassembly. The glide 902 includes a first hole 904 and a second hole 906and extends along a vertical direction. The first hole 904 is providedbelow the second hole 906. When the mouse 800 is in a collapsed state, alatch 908 joined to the release button 804 engages the first hole 904 tokeep the mouse in a collapsed state for easy portability.

If the release button 804 is actuated by pushing it inward, the latch908 disengages from the first hole to unlock the mouse from thecollapsed position (FIG. 10). A spring 1002 attached to the baseassembly and the upper casing pushes the base assembly downward and theupper casing upward. The base assembly moves downward until a rib 1102on the base assembly catches a stopper 1104 on the frame (FIG. 11).

At that point, the latch 908 snaps into the second hole 908 to lock themouse 800 in a raised position. The release button is spring loaded forthis purpose. As a result, the user is provided with anergonomically-shaped mouse for his or her usage. In its raised position,the mouse 800 exposes an opening 1202. In the present embodiment, aninternal spring (not shown) coupled to the receiver 122 ejects thereceiver 122 outward via the opening 1202.

Referring to FIG. 13, once the user has finished using the mouse, themouse may be collapsed by pressing the release button inward andpressing the upper casing downward until the latch engages the firsthole. The backend of the frame then covers the opening, so that thereceiver may be securely carried within the mouse. In the presentembodiment, the receiver 122 does not need to be inserted into the mouseto collapse the mouse.

In one embodiment, a wireless mouse may include a user identificationkey (e.g., a universal serial bus key) to identify the user. The key isstored in the memory 128 provided in the receiver 120 in one embodiment.The key may be stored on the mouse in other embodiments. The wirelessmouse with a universal serial bus (USB) key or tag may be used to grantaccess to a given computer to a user by inserting the dongle in USB portof a host. In another embodiment, a key stored in the receiver 120 or amemory within the mouse could be transmitted by an RF ID device providedin the mouse. This way, the mouse may be carried in a user's pocket andmay be used to authenticate the user, e.g., allow the user's entry intoa room or building as would a corporate badge.

In the present embodiment, the mouse includes a memory, logic, atransceiver, and the USB key (FIG. 13A). The USB wireless mouse wouldprocess and respond to a computer's request for authentication byproviding an appropriate response. The mouse's wireless USB connectioneliminates the multiple steps of plugging in a USB card, entering apassword to bypass firewalls, and the like. In one embodiment, thetransceiver may be used to receive information from a host.

In addition, a user's personal files and preferences may be stored inthe memory 128. Using the wireless USB connection, the personal filescould then be downloaded to any computer, allowing the user to accessthe computer using his or her user preferences. Alternatively, the mousemay simply store a link to a user-specific website with all of theuser's computer preferences allowing the user to securely access his orher computer preferences and files from any computers that has a networkconnection.

FIG. 14 illustrates an input device, e.g., a wireless mouse, 1400according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mouse is in araised state. A backend of a dongle 1402 is shown at the back side ofthe mouse 1400. The dongle is exposed when an upper housing or case top1401 is raised. The dongle is a USB receiver configured to be coupled toa host, so that the inputs made on the mouse may be relayed to the hostvia the receiver in one implementation. The dongle may be removed fromthe mouse by pushing the dongle inward, which actuates a push-pushmechanism (FIG. 20), as explained later. In another implementation, thedongle 1402 is rechargeable batteries that are removed from the wirelessmouse when the batteries are low and recharged in any available USBport. The mouse may use both batteries as well as therechargeable/dongle batteries, where the dongle is used as a backup ifthe regular batteries are low, or vice versa.

In one implementation, the mouse includes two battery dongles. A firstdongle is used to power the mouse while a second dongle is coupled to apower source, e.g., a USB port, to be recharged. Thereafter, the seconddongle may be used to power the mouse if the first dongle needs to berecharged. The first dongle would then be coupled to the power source.

In another implementation, each of the two dongles includes a receiverand a battery. When the dongle is in the mouse only the battery isconnected and it is used to power the mouse. When the dongle is insertedto the USB port of the computer, the receiver is used to receivecommands from the mouse while the battery is being recharged. When thebattery in the dongle in the mouse is discharged, the dongles areswapped. For traveling, both dongles are stored in the mouse.

FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom view of the mouse 1400 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. A pop-up or release button 1404 isprovided to raise or lower the upper housing of the mouse. The figurealso illustrates an optical lens to receive positional information, abattery door to receive batteries, battery door button to actuate thebattery door, a connect button to reinitiate connection between themouse and a receiver coupled to the computer (e.g., a dongle), a casebottom, and a base frame.

FIG. 16A illustrates the mouse 1400 with the upper housing 1401 removedaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. A latch 1403 isengaged to a groove of the upper housing (or case top) when the mouse isin a collapsed state. The latch disengages the groove if the releasebutton 1402 is pushed forward. The movement of the release button istranslated to the latch by a link 1405 that joins the latch and therelease button. Two pop-up springs 1406 are provided on each side of themouse to push the upper housing upward when the latch disengages thegroove of the upper housing. The upper housing rotates about first andsecond hinges 1408-1 and 1408-2. As a result, the backend of the upperhousing is raised up. The dongle 1402 stored within the mouse is exposed(see FIG. 14).

The movement of the upper housing is stopped after it rotates apredetermined angle about the hinges. In the present embodiment, firstand second opening travel stops 1410-1 and 1410-2 and cavities 1412-1and 1412-2 (FIG. 16B) are provided for this purpose. The cavities aredefined within the upper housing in the present embodiment. The stopsare provided at the sides of the mouse and are configured to travelwithin cavities 1412-1 and 1412-2 until the stops contacts the upperhousing, thereby preventing the upper housing from being raised further.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mouse 1400 in acollapsed state according to one embodiment of the present invention.The latch 1403 is engaged to a groove 1420 of the upper housing, so thatthe forces exerted by the pop-up springs 1406 would not push the upperhousing upward. A latch spring 1422 is attached to one end of the latch(on the opposing side of the groove 1420) to provide the latch with aconstant force that pushes the latch backward and into the groove.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mouse 1400 in a raisedstate according to one embodiment of the present invention. Moving therelease button forward causes the latch 1403 to move forward anddisengage the groove 1420. As a result, the pop-up springs 1406 are freeto push the upper housing upward.

Once the upper housing has been raised to a given height, the latchengages a bottom of a support 1424 that is attached to the upperhousing. That is, the latch spring pushes the latch under the support1424, thereby preventing the upper housing from collapsing even when adownward force (e.g., the weight of user's hand) is applied to the upperhousing. FIG. 19 illustrates a release arrangement 1426 including thelatch 1403, a pop-up or release button 1404, and a link 1405 accordingto one implementation.

FIG. 20A illustrates a push-push mechanism 1430 engaged to the dongle1402 that is placed inside of the mouse according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. The push-push mechanism includes a first hook1437 and a second hook 1438 (FIG. 20B). It is a well know mechanicaldevice. A notch on each side of the dongle is configured to receive thefirst hook of the push-push mechanism on the corresponding side. Thenotch and the hook cooperate with each other to secure the dongle insideof the mouse even when the mouse is in a raised state, exposing thebackend of the dongle.

In a dongle insertion operation, an edge 1434 of the dongle engages thefirst hook. The edge 1434 is defined by the metal and plastic portionsof the dongle. A front end of the dongle is metal and the remainingportions are plastic. The notch 1432 and the edge 1434 define aprotrusion 1436 therebetween. The first hook allows the dongle to moveforward until the first hook engages the notch 1432 of the dongle, andthe protrusion 1436 is secured between the first and second hooks.

In a dongle removal operation, the dongle is pushed forward by pressingthe backend of the dongle that is exposed when the mouse is in a raisedposition. The edge 1434 pushes the second hook until it reaches an endof its travel. At which point, a spring (not shown) joined to the secondhook pushes the dongle backward, so that a portion of the dongle ispushed out of the mouse to enable a user to remove the dongle from themouse.

FIG. 21 illustrates an on-off switch 1440 provided within the mouseaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. The switch 1440 isplaced on a printed circuit board 1442. A switch actuator 1444 isprovided on the upper housing of the mouse on the opposing side of theswitch. When the mouse is in a collapsed state, i.e., the upper housingor case top is in a lowered position, the actuator presses the switchdownward to turn off the mouse. When the mouse is in a raised state andthe upper housing is in a raised position, the actuator no longer pushesthe switch downward. As a result, the mouse is turned on. That is, themouse is activated or deactivated according to the shape of the mouse(whether is in a raised state or collapsed state). In anotherembodiment, the switch is turned on when it is pressed by the actuator.The resulting signal is used to turn off the power supply of the mouse.

In one embodiment, the mouse includes a transmitter 1446 on the PCB1142. The transmitter is used to transmit commands to an internalreceiver of the host directly rather than via an external dongle that iscoupled to the host. Various transmission technologies may be used forthis purpose including Bluetooth™. In the present implementation, themouse does not need a dongle. Accordingly, the cavity in the mouse maybe left empty or used as a storage compartment.

In another embodiment, the transmitter 1446 is a transceiver that isconfigured to transmit and receive information. The informationtransmitted may be commands to a host device or authorizationinformation to a security device. The information received may beinformation prompting the input device 1400 to transmit certaininformation or to configure the setting of the input device.

As described above, an embodiment of the present invention relates to aninput device that expands or contracts in size. Although the expansionand contraction of the input device has been described as being along avertical direction, it may be along a horizontal direction. In oneembodiment, it may be along both horizontal and vertical directions.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments. The embodiments above were described merely to illustratethe invention. For example, although the present invention has beenillustrated using a wireless mouse, the present invention may also beapplied to a corded mouse. The corded mouse may be a conventional mousethat has a permanent external cord. Alternatively, the mouse may have acord that may be stored inside of the mouse when it is not in use andpulled out of the mouse to connect the mouse to a computer and then usethe mouse. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to bedetermined using the appended claims.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A pointing device for inputting commands to a hostcomputer, the pointing device comprising: a first portion of saidpointing device defining one or more control components for inputtingcommands to the computer; a second portion of said pointing device, saidsecond portion being connected at a first end to said first portion, andhaving a second end for contacting a supporting surface; a pivotingmechanism connecting said first and second portions, said second portionpivoting about a pivot axis in said pivoting mechanism to move saidpointing device between a collapsed position and an expanded position; atransmitter for transmitting wireless signals indicating the position ofsaid pointing device and the operation of said control components; abattery for providing power to said transmitter; a removable receiverfor attaching to a computer to receive said wireless signals; a recessin said pointing device for storing said removable receiver; a switchfor turning off power to said transmitter and position sensingcircuitry, said switch being activated when said second portion of saidmouse rotates about said pivot axis to move said pointing device fromsaid expanded to said collapsed position; said switch being configuredto turn on said power when said second portion of said pointing deviceis rotated about said pivot axis from the collapsed position to theexpanded position; and wherein the pointing device is configured toinput commands to the computer while the pointing device is in theexpanded position.
 22. The pointing device of claim 21, wherein thepointing device is a mouse, where the pointing device is not in suitablestate for inputting commands to the computer when the pointing device isin the collapsed position.
 23. The pointing device of claim 21, furthercomprising a battery compartment with a battery door on a bottom of saidpointing device.
 24. The pointing device of claim 21, wherein thepointing device is raised vertically when the pointing device isexpanded.
 25. The pointing device of claim 21, wherein the pointingdevice is lengthened horizontally when the pointing device is expanded.26. A mouse for inputting commands to a host computer, the mousecomprising: a first portion of said mouse having a left select button, aright select button, and a scrolling mechanism between said right andleft buttons for inputting commands to the computer; a second portion ofsaid mouse, said second portion being connected at a first end to saidfirst portion, and having a second end for contacting a supportingsurface; a pivoting mechanism connecting said first and second portions,said second portion pivoting about a pivot axis in said pivotingmechanism to move said mouse between a collapsed position and anexpanded position, wherein the mouse is raised vertically when the mouseis expanded; a printed circuit board; a transmitter for transmittingwireless signals indicating the position of said pointing device and theoperation of said buttons and scrolling mechanism; a battery compartmenton an underside of said mouse; a battery in said battery compartment forproviding power to said position sensing circuitry and said transmitter;a removable USB receiver dongle having a USB connector for engaging aUSB port of a computer to receive said wireless signals; a recess insaid pointing device for storing said removable USB receiver dongle; aswitch for turning off power to said transmitter and printed circuitboard, said switch being activated when said second portion of saidmouse rotates about said pivot axis to move said pointing device fromsaid expanded to said collapsed position; said switch being configuredto turn on said power when said second portion of said mouse is rotatedabout said pivot axis from the collapsed position to the expandedposition; and wherein the mouse is configured to input commands to thecomputer while the mouse is in the expanded position.
 27. The mouse ofclaim 26, wherein the mouse is lengthened horizontally when the pointingdevice is expanded.
 28. A pointing device for inputting commands to ahost computer, the pointing device comprising: a first housing portion;a second housing portion having a plurality of control buttons forinputting commands to the computer, the first and second housingportions being movably coupled to each other to enable the pointingdevice to be placed in a collapsed position and an expanded position; aremovable wireless receiver dongle for attaching to said host computer;a recess in said pointing device for storing said removable wirelessreceiver dongle; a transmitter for transmitting said commands to saidremovable wireless receiver dongle; a battery compartment; a batterymounted in said battery compartment; and a switch for interrupting powerfrom said battery to said transmitter, said switch being activated whensaid pointing device is moved into said collapsed position; wherein thepointing device is configured to input commands to the computer whilethe pointing device is in the expanded position.
 29. The pointing deviceof claim 28, wherein said switch can be activated only after saidremovable wireless receiver dongle is inserted in said recess.
 30. Thepointing device of claim 28, wherein said pointing device can be movedto said collapsed position only after said removable wireless receiverdongle is inserted in said recess.
 31. The pointing device of claim 28,wherein said pointing device is a mouse.